The Fire Fighters Charity has thanked supporters who have helped raise £1m by donating to its textile recycling scheme.

It has diverted more than 7,000 tonnes of clothing from landfill sites since it was launched in 2009.

The charity’s first textile bank was at Kettering Fire Station thanks to the support of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and there are now more than 500 clothing banks across the country where donations can be left.

Chief Executive John Parry said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our supporters who have recycled with us over the last four years – they have helped us to reach this huge landmark for income from recycling.

“We do however, need people to continue to support the scheme and help us keep firefighters fit, healthy and happy so they can continue saving lives.

“It costs £9m a year to keep The Fire Fighters Charity running and with no government funding, we rely on the donations and goodwill of our supporters.”

More than 40 fire and rescue services now support the textile recycling scheme and they are encouraging people in their local communities to keep donating their unwanted textiles at the brightly coloured yellow clothing bins to help raise even more money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Chief Fire Officer Martyn Emberson, of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Recycling is the one thing we can all do for the environment. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it saves natural resources as well as energy. In turn, by raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity it also helps injured firefighters return to work much more quickly, fighting and preventing fires, and saving people from serious road traffic collisions.

“As the reigning champions, we are especially looking forward to the charity’s annual January recycling competition. It always sparks a lot of competitive spirit among fire stations across the UK to be the best for the month of January.

“Why not take the opportunity to get rid of those dodgy jumpers you got for Christmas by donating your textiles at your local recycling bank?”